A small elevated cabin to be built on this unique Protection Island lot was rejected by Nanaimo councillors on Monday, Jan. 17 (submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

rejected

City councillors deny contentious Protection Island housing proposal…again

Jan 18, 2022 | 4:41 PM

NANAIMO — Emotions flared on both sides of a technically challenging development proposal on an undeveloped lot on Protection Island zoned for residential use.

Councillors voted down a development permit for a small cabin planned for an islet protruding out from Protection Island’s shoreline at 25 Spyglass Lookout during a Monday, Jan 17, council meeting.

The 6-3 vote went against a staff recommendation in favour of the development, which included a notable variance request to construct the single-storey cabin within about six metres of the ocean.

Citing environmental concerns, Coun. Ben Geselbracht said approving the development would have been irresponsible.

“In this day and age we do not allow buildings to be constructed right on the shoreline with an environmental sensitive area, especially in an era of mounting impacts of climate change and extreme weather,” Geselbracht said.

drive by

Multiple people targeted in pair of random Airsoft pistol attacks in downtown Nanaimo

1h ago

drug toxicity

Nine deaths in Nanaimo due to unregulated street drugs in January

2h ago

Back to Basics

Clippers search for wins in playoff stretch drive

4h ago

The re-worked application included a mandated environmental assessment by a qualified professional. That report was submitted in support of the project, which was then reviewed and endorsed by City staff.

The cabin would have been three metres above sea level and boosted by pilings.

An elevated pedestrian walkway was to be linked to the cabin intended for seasonal use.

While balancing the right to build a home on the lot, Coun. Ian Thorpe said he struggled with this application.

“In this case, I just cannot support the setback variances that are being requested. I personally don’t think this property should ever have been zoned for development.”

Thorpe emphasized he respects City staff and usually supports their recommendations.

Commenting under the understanding the project would likely be rejected, a visibly irritated mayor Leonard Krog spoke strongly in favour.

“It will have the impact of sterilizing the use of this property. And let us not pretend for a moment, please, that you are going to get a better application before council with respect to dealing with all of the issues that have been raised.”

Krog called the cabin modest and likely the best application the City would receive for the lot.

Several speakers addressed council, most being local residents concerned about various environmental impacts.

Property owner Alfredo Turo told councillors a considerable amount of time and expense went into his latest application.

“The project is technically viable, no significant environmental effect to the ecosystem is expected.”

Turo said opposition to the project included Protection Islanders who’d rather have the privately owned property for their own public use.

His bid to build a cabin was denied in a separate proposal before City councillors in 2019.

Another cabin envisioned by a different owner was shot down in 2005, which was pitched to be built with no setback from the ocean.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes